That day was exceptionally hot and close, and permission had been asked
by and granted to those squires not on duty to go down to the river for
a bath after exercise at the pels. But as Myles replaced his arms in
the rack, a little page came with a bidding to come to Sir James in his
office.

"Look now," said Myles, "here is just my ill-fortune. Why might he not
have waited an hour longer rather than cause me to miss going with ye?"

"Nay," said Gascoyne, "let not that grieve thee, Myles. Wilkes and I
will wait for thee in the dormitory--will we not, Edmund? Make thou
haste and go to Sir James."

Sir James was sitting at the table studying over a scroll of parchment,
when Myles entered his office and stood before him at the table.

"Well, boy," said he, laying aside the parchment and looking up at the
lad, "I have tried thee fairly for these few days, and may say that I
have found thee worthy to be entered upon the rolls as esquire of the
body."

"I give thee thanks, sir," said Myles.

The knight nodded his head in acknowledgement, but did not at once give
the word of dismissal that Myles had expected. "Dost mean to write thee
a letter home soon?" said he, suddenly.

"Aye," said Myles, gaping in great wonderment at the strangeness of the
question.